Heras Cordón Reserva 2019

Heras Cordón Reserva is a Tempranillo led blend from Bodegas y Viñedos Heras Cordón in D.O.Ca. Rioja, with smaller proportions of Graciano and Mazuelo. The grapes come from plots in Rioja Alavesa and Rioja Alta sitting between 405 and 550 metres, on stony soils of clay and limestone. The Tempranillo vines are around 46 years old and the Mazuelo around 35, vine age that lowers yields and concentrates flavour. The limestone holds the wide day to night temperature range that the altitude provides, which keeps acidity firm and the fruit fresh. As a Reserva the wine spends 18 months in French and American oak, where slow oxygen exchange through the staves softens the tannins and adds toast, vanilla and spice, with French oak lending finer grain and American oak a sweeter, coconut edge. Graciano contributes acidity and aromatic lift, Mazuelo colour and grip. The result is a medium to full bodied red showing cherry, forest fruit, blackcurrant and cassis, with toasted oak, a touch of leather and roasted coffee. The finish is long and savoury. Serve at 16 to 18C, decanting briefly. It is a natural match for roast lamb and aged cheese.